Media hint Free Essays

Introduction Media has always been in the forefront as a radical voice all over the world, and naturally, it has invited the wrath of all the regimes autocratic and democratic alike. Among the media types, the broadcast media, particularly television has suffered the greatest suppression, whether it is in the Europe, the Americas, Africa or in the East. The most recent example comes from Pakistan, a Muslim nation in South Asia, where the military ruler Parvez Mushrraf had shut down the television stations soon after he suspended the constitution and imposed emergency. We will write a custom essay sample on Media hint or any similar topic only for you Order Now Broadcasting – the transmitting of programmes to be heard simultaneously by an indefinitely large number of people – is a social invention, not a technical one. (Curran J. Seaton J., 2003). Television is perhaps the only modern media that had played a dual role, as a voice of the radical opinion and as a media of propaganda. The emergence of the global television has made revolts of the people and radical opinion in any part of the world irrepressible. This has always made headaches for the ruling elites to respond in the same manner, to use television itself in order to suppress the opinion. Revolt against television Incidents of revolt against television as a mirror of the truth have occurred before the advent of the satellite television, where the regimes controlled the broadcasting system. The history can be traced from the wide spread information suppression and the iron curtain that characterised the erstwhile Soviet regime. Later we numerous incidents around the world, mostly in autocracies where the official television run by the regime, disseminated the news suppressing any other viewpoint. This has occurred in Iraq, in other states of the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Iran and mostly many of the Muslim Sheikdoms. Suppression, ideology and television Communication has the power to define, persuade, inform and to disinform. An analysis of communication at the level of community and nation is obliged to recognise that truth is not necessarily separated from falsehood; rather, the process of propaganda blurs the elements in order to be persuasive. Taylor (1986) puts the matter succinctly: ‘Communication with a view to persuasion is an inherent human quality. I can take place in a private conversation or a mass rally, in a church or cinema, as well as on a battlefield. It can manifest itself in the form of a statue or building, a coin or painting, a flag or a postage stamp.’ To the above list Taylor adds ‘speech sermons,songs, art, radio waves, television pictures.’ Whether they operate between individuals or people in millions, the task of the analyst remains the same – to investigate the intent of the act of communication and the ways in which members of the intended audience respond to that communication. It is arguable that most mass communication, whether it is a party political broadcast, the TV news, a pop song, a soap opera or sitcom is in some way or another, to a greater or a lesser extent is an exercise in propaganda. (Bagdikian A.,1987) Thompson identifies four forms of power exercised in society- economic, political, coercive and symbolic. Economic power emanates from the possession of wealth or the means by which wealth is generated; political power rests in decision making arising from being in a position of elected, appointed or inherited authority; coercive power springs from the use of, or potential use of, superior strength. Other classifications include position, resource, and charismatic power each overlapping with Thompson’s categories and each one somehow connected with communication processes. Yet the media have never been either separate from or independent of the forces which create them and which in turn they shape and influence. They work as Thompson points out, within institutional frame works. As such, they operate as cultural apparatus, part of the machinery of state or of most powerful interest groups within the state. Historically media have more often served as the voice of the powerful than of the people. They have been classified by Althusser as one of the prime Ideological State Apparatuses, along with religion, family structures ad education: that is, they are crucially important channels for the transmission of ‘rules of conduct’ in society; the guardians of a culture’s dominant norms and values. They play a part in all power forms, including – in a contributory sense – coercive power. The Chinese revolt The memorable television images that emanated from Beijing on June 4, 1989 indicated to viewers that the China’s revolutionary activity had been effectively extinguished. The military show of force at Tiananmen Square preserved the political authority of Deng Ziaoping and the Chinese Communist Party for the short term. Following the historic Third Plenum of the Eleventh Central Committee meeting of the CCP in December 1978- a satellite based national television system was made a top priority for achieving a wide range of   propagandist objectives. Television was peaking as a communications medium in China during the troubled 1980s and had itself become a significant symbol of the national modernization. By the middle of the decade nearly every urban household had bought a television receiver. But when push came to shove, televised reports of the military invasion of the student-worker encampment at Tiananmen Square were not transmitted in China. While the rest of the world tuned in to pictures of courageous students, intellectuals, and workers standing up to brute force of tanks and the political power of ageing bureaucrats, Chinese television viewers saw very different visuals and accounts of the tragic events in the capital city, and even those images came very late. Television had been forcibly restored to its original place as a blatant propaganda device. By managing television coverage of the brutal crackdown and subsequently constructing a massive propaganda onslaught, Chinese government officials hoped to re-establish social stability, reassert the place of the CCP as the nation’s legitimate political authority, and minimize ideological damage brought by the economic, political, cultural and social stresses that China experienced in the late 1980s. Why television news is so fearful? – the other side of television news The research of the Glasgow University Media Group has been very controversial since the publication of Bad News in 1976, as well as the subject of a great deal of criticism, not least from the journalists and broadcasters. Bad News was concerned with the television coverage of industrial relations in 1975. the GUMG’s analysis of the television news led it to conclude that viewers had been given misleading portrayal of   industrial disputes, a portrayal that distorted the real situation. The group’s work continued with More Bad News in   1980, which examined the language used to describe the two sides in industrial disputes. The descriptions attached to management were such that they persuaded the audience of the rightness of the management position against demands made by the unions. Trowler (1996) has produced an excellent summary of the major findings of their studies. The vocabulary of broadcast news is biased against specific groups and this bias structures the listener’s perspective. Stories are selectively reported. The effects of strikes are reported more often than the causes of strikes. The ‘visuals’ used are again selective and help to structure the message being put across. The tactics of the protestors are reported more often than their viewpoints, especially when the tactics are deemed ‘antisocial’. There is a hierarchy of access to the media, so the voices we mainly get to hear are those of ‘experts’, specialist and the establishment. News is reported from a particular ideological position. The media set the agenda for debate – they tell us what to think about. They also act as gatekeepers, thus excluding some stories and including others. This rationale of these findings can be applied not only in fighting the ‘bad news’ by television but also in fighting an anti-people regime and sometimes in propaganda. This has been the mainstay in most of the democratic nations around the world. Even the Gulf War telecast by the CNN fits to this agenda. (Jones M. and Jones E. 1997) Conclusion Television of course is itself an authoritarian institution of sorts, one that articulates confidently and widely. Critics in all societies around the world, complain that the medium has the power to serve the interest of its owners by creating a narrow agenda and monopolizing public opinion, that it debases culture, and that it nearly mesmerizes viewers psychologically. Thus it has invited suppression around the nations. Reference: Curran J. and Seaton J. (2003) Power without responsibility: The press, broadcasting and new media in Britain, London: Routledge. Boyd-Baret et.al. (ed). (1997) Media in global context: A reader, New York: Arnold. Philip.M.Taylor M.P. (1986) Munitions of the mind: A history of propaganda from the ancient world to the present day, New York : Arnold Thompson J.B. (2002) The media and modernity: A social theory of media, London : Sage Jones M. and Jones E. (1997) Mass Media, London : Macmillan. Bagdikian A. (1987). The Media Monopoly, Massachusetts: Beacon Press. How to cite Media hint, Essay examples

Practicing Critical Social Work-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Questions: 1.An Identification of key issues, for example discussions of the impact of political, economic, and social issues on current social work practice in this role or practical area. 2.An analysis based on critical theory drawing on radical, structural and post modern practice theories, as well as current policy and Practices. 3.An Evaluation of critical theory social work approaches in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. 4.Critical theory and Practice recommendations for you as a developing social work practitioner. Answers: Introduction Social work refers to a profession that profession facilitates social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2017). Social work also helps in developing, utilizing skills and understands social structures. Social workers have several areas of practice that may require individual social worker commitment or community participation. As a social worker, my area of practice is helping community deal with social problems. Critical social work is social work practice with main focus on the root cause of social problems such as social injustice and oppression without individuals interest but rather community. Radical as a professional aspect of social work or seek to solve socialproblems (Mullaly, 2007). As social worker providing counseling to the community is a noble practice that requires much dedications and service to the community. Another aspect of critical approach involves the provision of edu cation on a certain topic usually on social problems hence finding the solution to social problems. One critical approach is community center approach-beliefs, needs and strength, result based approach and solution based approach (Cooper, 2013). 1.Social, political and economic issues affecting critical social work practice There are many issues that currently affect critical social work practice. Some of these issues include political, economic and social issues and have a significant impact on the society or community that the social work practices. These issues are comprehensively discussed below. Social issues affecting critical social work Social issues are part of social work and have vivid influence on critical social work. Social issues that play key role in helping community understands social problems are personal beliefs personal strength, and weakness, psychological relationship, addiction, domestic conflict, and environment. Firstly, personal beliefs, strength, and weakness as an economic issue have an impact on counseling especially in Australia where counselor and client may have different beliefs and personal strength or weakness towards social problem (Fook, 2002). Secondly, the ability of a social worker to develop a good relationship with community assists the people to be open and express their problems to the social worker (Greene, 2008). Thirdly, other social issues such as social injustice also play a significant role in understanding social problems as many people do not easily know the causes. Political opinions or conflict is another social issue that currently has an impact on social work especial ly understanding social problems. Finally, the community relationship that can be found between social worker and the community also play a vital role in practice (Delshad, 2010). Economic issues affecting critical social work Economic factors are unemployment, discriminatory resource allocation and economic abuse. Firstly, unemployment is a major economic issue that affects social work in Australia. Though the government is currently working on ways to solve unemployment issues, unemployment remains serious challenge in many communities (Lundy, 2004). Secondly, poor resource allocation is another factor that has a direct impact on social work as most social workers has reveal the inappropriate resource allocation leading to financial challenges affecting social work. Moreover, some organizations that also works in hand with social workers in their bit to educate or counsel the community also political role in resource allocation to regions (Allan, 2003). Thirdly, the government of Australia identified economic domestic abuse as one of the financial issues that have impact on counseling. Resource distribution especially on economic, require educating the community on the on their rights that can help them get resource from the government. This has made the government through Commonwealth Bank of Australia offer financial support to finance social workers (Agnew, 2004). Political issues affecting critical social work Political issues government policy, political diversity, firstly, the government policy that guide education or counseling to a substance abuse or domestic violence victims through financing counseling activities. Secondly, political diversity has an indirect impact on social work and to the understanding of social problems. Political diversity brings great differences between communities and social worker as various parties have different beliefs and weakness. This makes the social work practice get hindrance in some parts of the country especially in areas with social injustices (Delshad, 2010). 2.Theories, policies, and practices Theories and approaches to social work Critical social work basically works to examine social problems and issues that include social injustice or oppression. An aspect of critical social work that also forms the theoretical framework of critical social work is radical social work theory and tends to bring understanding of contribution of social work to structural development that leads to understanding and solving social problems. Social work as a field of study has attracted much attention owing to the central role played in the society. Radical social work theory views social problems as the solemnly responsibility of political players. There are many approach and theories that have been advanced to explain social work practices. Collective working with the community is another aspect of critical social work that attempt to include all members of community to achieve common good. Collective social work is model that focuses on the aspect of critical social work such as making alliances (Zastrow, 2014; Ungar, 2011). Radical social work is a theory that is based on the development of structural aspects of the community as oppose to individualism. This implies that structures of institutions need to form in manner that does not promote social problems. In contrast to structural theory that aim at exploring causes of social problems, radical theory tries to push for structural change. In addition, radical with the aim of structural change identify managerial radical perspective for change in community. Managerial radical perspective assures social workers on assisting community understand the relationship between social problems and institution managerial structure (Zastrow, 2014). Structural social work theory gives a better understanding of social problems as it seeks to understand differential resources as the cause of social problems (Mullaly, 2007). Moreover, the theory explains the type of morally society free of social problems that can be created and the way to create such societies. Structural theory is basically founded on the societal structure with respect to social problems such as disparities in resource distribution and unemployment. It is good to note that structural theory shows the structure of institutions as the basis of discrimination which is the recipe for social problems such as racism (Lundy, 2004). Post-modern perspective of social work is highly influences every aspect of social work. Post-modernism influences our understanding of social problems since it has broader perspective that influences technological application in analyzing various issues in the society. As a practice post-modern indicates that the worldview on social problem currently focus on post-modern culture and other social structure. This gives social workers new interpretation on culture and languages which are two main social structures (Healy, 2000). Social work in Australia is under influence of policies and regulations that affect practices. Australian department of social services has policies and regulation that provide a framework for social work practice. The department also provides legislations that indicate the ethical framework that a social worker needs to operate. The government also has funding sources that are used to finance the institutions that conduct social work (Allan,2003). Moreover, currently, social work services faced with financial challenges threatening social work services in most places. Dealing with social problems on the other hand, as social work practice is guided by a much ethical code of standards. Practice also forms part of community health service and therefore is a critical part of community social work (Reamer,2006). Post-modern theories are based on a different view on the way we see and think about our society or social work. Moreover, post-modern mindset allows research on social work esp ecially on human behaviour and their social environment. 3.Theories evaluation Main approaches to social works have both strength and weakness. Some of these approaches are systems theory, task centred approach, solution-focussed approach and person centred approach, and psychosocial model. Firstly, the critical approaches have strengths and weaknesses that can be discussed based on counselling as a way of practice. This approach can be used to assist people with recurring understanding social problems; it is a way of understanding the cause of the disturbing social problems and concentrate on radical theory, structural theory and post-modern understanding of social structures especially culture and language (Mullaly,2007). Weaknesses of critical approach to social with a focus on identification of social problems with minimal power to remove oppression, focus on causes and effects of the problem, is not culturally acceptable and easily manipulative (Sowers Catherine et al., 2008). Secondly, the community-centred approach also has both strength and weaknesses. Strengths include utilizes different experience on community, respect the dignity of humans, and can get a solution from all people. Weakness include does not consider time, not easy for those not motivated, conce ntrate on a single community and not society in general. Weaknesses include require high training, is based on problems that the community has, and consider limited socio-economic factors (Sherraden,Laux Kaufman,2007). Based on the theories of social work there are three theories that are best and can be used as a social worker. These theories can be joined to come up with an approach called integrative approach. Critical approaches require the use of many models that can be related as means to get the best result (Freya, 2015). Firstly, historical based approach as applied in community involves allowing understand their problem from history with the bid to get a solution to their problem. This also gives the expert time to understand the problem better hence find the solution. Secondly, the task-centered approach that is evidence based practice and uses the community to come up with the objective to be achieved at the end of practice (Davies, 2002). In addition, the approach assists the community to identify the problem and possible solution to those problems. The two approaches or theories of social work are all useful in critical approaches and can be integrated into another approach called inte grative or holistic approach (Butler Gwenda, 2004). 4.Critical theory and practice recommendations The best critical approach that can be used in the identification of the problem and guide the community into finding a solution is an approach that has most of the characteristic of most of the best approaches to social work (Allan, 2003). As social worker the best practice of assisting people deal with social problems has the characteristics that is evident based, allowing the people to understand their problem, and uses culture perspective to get a solution. In order to apply this theory or approach the expert need to engage the community where the community uses historical evidence and weaknesses to identify problem and solution to those problems. In the field of social problems, integrative has been used to obtain a good result as this approach also uses other approaches or theories to solve the problem. This means that where one theory cannot be used another theory can work best (Ungar, 2011). Conclusion In conclusion, social work is a practice that helps assist individuals, families, and community, in general, to identify and use resources. There are many areas of practice within the social works and one of these areas is dealing with social injustices. Dealing with social injustices utilizes various social work approaches such as community-centered, solution-centered, task-based approach and psychological approach. Of these approaches, the best approach that is should be used in social work is an integrative approach that is based on a combination of approaches since it can be used to identify problem and solution using different kinds of perspective. References Allan, J. (2003), Practising critical social work. In J. Allan, B. Pease, L. Briskman (Eds.). Critical social work: An introduction to theories and practices (pp.52-71). Crows Nest, Australia: Allen Unwin. Australian Association of Social Workers, (2017), What is social work? Accessible at: https://www.aasw.asn.au/information-for-the-community/what-is-social-work Agnew, E.N. (2004), From Charity to Social Work: Mary E. Richmond and the Creation of an American Profession. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press. Butler, T., Gwenda R. (2004), Social Work with Children and Families: Getting into Practice (2nd ed.). London, England; New York, NY: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Cooper, P. (2013), Social work man. Leicester: Matador. Delshad, F. (2010), Interaction of Religion, Morality and Social Work. Munich: AVM (Adademischer Verlag Mnchen). Davies, M. (2002), The Blackwell Companion of Social Work (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK; Malden, MA: Blackwell Fook, J. (2002), Social work: Critical theory and practice. London: Sage. Freya, B. (2015), Known to Social Services (1st ed.). USA: FARAXA Publishing. Greene, R. R. (2008), Social Work with the Aged and Their Families (3rd ed.). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers Healy, K. (2000), Social work practices: Contemporary perspectives on change. London: Sage. Lundy, C. (2004), Social work and social justice. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press. Mullaly, B. (2007), The new structural social work (3rd ed.). Toronto: Oxford University Press. Popple, P.R. Leslie L. (2008), The Policy-Based Profession: An Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis for Social Workers (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Reamer, F.G. (2006), Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press. Sherraden, M.; Laux, S. Kaufman, C. (2007), Financial education for social workers. Journal of Community Practice, 15 (3): 936. Sowers, K.M. Catherine N. Dulmus; et al. (2008), Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and Social Welfare. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons. Ungar, M. (2011), The social worker: a novel. Lawrencetown, N.S: Pottersfield Press Webb, S. (2017), Professional Identity and Social Work. London, UK: Routledge. Zastrow, C. (2014), Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare: Empowering People. Belmount: Cengage Learning

Pillars Essay free essay sample

Scholarship, leadership, character and service are all characteristics found in a National Honor Society member. Believe that I possess all of these characteristics and should be given the honor of becoming a INS member. The first characteristic scholarship, is best defined as the academic quality of a particular student. All National Honor Society members are required to maintain a 3. 5 GAP I have worked hard to maintain a 3. 5 GAP, and have received a card every semester since started at Coral Academy six years ago. The next characteristic is leadership. Leadership is helping, guiding or eating others to reach a goal.Im a leader not only in school but outside of school as well. Outside of school I am the elected captain of my swim team, am a Leader in Training (LIT) through my churchs nana program. In school, I lead by example, I get good grades not only in academics but in citizenship as well, and I was a member of National Junior Honor Society last year. We will write a custom essay sample on Pillars Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The third characteristic is character; It is defined as the qualities that form the individual nature of a person. Am a very honest, reliable, respectful, and responsible person. Im very friendly, courteous, cooperative, and I rarely reek the rules.The final characteristic is service. Service is any contributions made to a community without expecting anything in return. I provide many different services to my community. I have provided services in accordance with my church through programs like vacation bible school and nanas. I also volunteer my time at the SPA of Northern Nevada, and I help out with other miscellaneous community activities i. E. , expedition man. Thank you, for your time and consideration. And hope you find me worthy of receiving the honor of becoming a National Honor Society member.

Sacred Geometry essays

Sacred Geometry essays Sacred geometry could be defined as a diagram of all creation. According to sacred geometry there is an inate order throughout the universe, which defines in mathematical terms how the universe works. Sacred geometry is above the religious spectrum although many different religions have adopted its principles in their art and architecture. Around the world and over the milleniums architects have built great monuments and religious centers using the same basic geometric principles. All of our own actions and the actions of everything around us obey specific mathematical laws while we live in this mathematically arranged world, and all existence manifests itself through these laws without waste. Sacred geometry describes every type of movement using laws composed of a dialect or numbers, angles, shapes, form, and ratio. It is a language known across the universe made up of taintless mathematical truths based on the workings of nature and the undeniable qualities of the circle and sphere. Sacred geometry measures the peaceful vibrations that maintain life on all levels. It shows how different elements can be put into a whole, all of the time still keeping that element's individuality. Sacred geometry demonstrates how order in the universe evolves out of primitive forces. Sacred geometry converges the physical sensible qualities of creation with the spiritual core behind them. It has played an important part in numerous cultures art and architecture throughout the span of civilization. One example of this is the Pythagorean system, it looked at geometric symbolism as if it was responsible for all known states of being. One civilization that looked at the world as a great array of different or unique elements combined into the cosmos all through the main idea of peace, were the ancient Greeks. A precious tool sacred geometry was in many ancient schools where they had th...

Accounting Analysis of the 2011 Annual Report for Bank of Queensland Limited Essay Example for Free (#2011)

Accounting Analysis of the 2011 Annual Report for Bank of Queensland Limited Essay ? The aim of this report is to provide an accounting analysis of the 2011 annual report for Bank of Queensland Limited (BOQ), and a critique of the reporting of their performance. The report discusses the choice of accounting policies and the flexibility of these policies. The main objective of this report is to evaluate and recognise the possibility of using creative accounting within the company, recognise and questionable accounting numbers within items listed previously. A number of items have been selected from Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. Bank of Queensland Limited (BOQ), has history of 137 years with network of over 280 branches operating in Queensland. It offers core banking (commercial/retail), equipment finance, wealth management and insuranceservices. BOQ is listed on the ASX and uses its unique concept of the Owner-Managed Branch (OMB),a partnership between the Bank of Queensland (franchisor) and experienced bank managers (franchisees) to provide banking services. 3. Description of key accounting policies and standards 3.1 Loans and advances at amortised cost (Asset) As shown on BOQ’s Balance sheet in FY11, loans and advances at amortised cost are big-ticket itemsin its assets accounting for approximately 98 per cent. According to the significant accounting policies explored by BOQ annual report 2011, loans and advances are originated by the bank and are recognised upon cash being advanced to the borrower. Based on AASB13, loans and advances are initially recognised at fair value plus incremental direct transaction cost using the effective interest method. 3.2 Deposits and borrowing (Liability) Deposits, as the one of the most important cash inflows of the bank, follow ruleAASB13 as well. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs and thenby using the effective interest method, they are measured at amortised cost. It is classified in two concentrations: retail deposits and wholesale deposits. This item follows AASB119Employee Benefits which has been amended in its accounting rules affecting the measurement of its obligations and the timing of recognition of termination benefits. Employee benefits can be classified to four categories: wages, salaries and annual leave; long service leave; superannuation plan and share based payments. 4. Flexibility of Management in Selecting the Key Accounting Policies It is undeniable that having flexiblemanagement can exert positive effects on the presentation of company’s annual financial report. Specifically, from the Bank of Queensland ´s perspective, if mangers have considerable adaptability in selecting the key accounting policies, the financial performance of Bank of Queensland Ltd can be improved; therefore more investors and customers would give priority to cooperating with them in the future. 4.1 Loan and Advances at Amortized Cost 4.1.1 Flexibility Analysis The measurement of loans and advances at amortized cost is extremelyfavourable to commercial banks. From BOQ’s consolidated financial annual report, the loan and advances at amortized cost accounted for around 83.3% of total assets in 2011, it had increased from 31,736,5 million to 33,276,1 million during 2010 to 2011. This change in $1539, 6 million was caused by impairment charges made by managers of the bank. The increase of loans and advances at amortized cost could enhance the customers trust in the bank. Sincefinancial funds, credit business and debts are the core business transaction of the banking industry, this itemappears to increase receivable accounts. Also, as banks could charge a reasonable rate of interest on such future loans/advances, they are able utilizethis income to pay current liabilities, wage and salaries of employees, and also the tax liability of business. Consequently, the BOQ’s managers have selected a flexible accounting policy in this item. Being dominant in the assets, loans and advances at amortized cost carries the burden of generating cash. The way that Bank of Queensland recognizes loans and advances at amortized cost can be separated to two phases. Initially, loans are recognized at fair value plus incremental direct transaction costs. Secondly, BOQ uses effective interest method to measure the amortized cost at each reporting date. The advantage of this accounting policy is that including direct transaction cost in the loan price can offset the actual transaction cost occurred and maximize the profit for the bank. Additionally, the effective interest method is considered as one of the prior methods for amortizing a bond discount. Theoretically, investors require a discount on bonds because the market interest rate at the time of issue is higher than the coupon payments on the bond. Therefore, by amortizing the discount at the market interest rate, accounting statement of Bank of Queensland will exactly reveal the economic reality of the bond issue and its true cost of debt. 4.2.1 Flexibility Analysis Due to the characteristics of banking industry, there is a high flexibility for management in these two liabilities. It is noticeable that deposits and borrowing accounted for about 97% of total liabilities on the balance sheet. Occupying 69% of total deposits, managers pay more attention to Retail Banking Services because of itsattractiveness to customers compared to other types of deposits. This policy states that securitization set-up costs relating to on-balance sheet assets are included with securitization borrowings, and amortization is recorded as interest expense. Initially, excluding off-balance sheet costs makes the liability much smaller and enlarges their net assets. Likewise, interest on debt is a tax-deductible expense and creates a tax shield benefiting Bank of Queensland. The major function for this policy is to save cash flows for BOQ. 4.3.1 Flexibility Analysis Employee expenses mainly consist of share based payments and employee benefits. All of these kinds of financial activities are beneficialto BOQ.The result from increasing incentives to employees applies as it encourages them to performenthusiasticallywhicheventuallyleads to higher profits for the firm. Among Employee Benefits, shared based payments are distinguished. The accounting policy demonstrates that Bank of Queensland allows employees to acquire its shares, options and rights sold recognized in the Employee Benefits Reserve. This expense could be reversed if the loss is not due to a market condition. This is highly beneficial as it encourages employees to purchase shares of their own company but, on the other hand, as more shares are sold, the higher price rises in the stock exchange. 5. Quality of Disclosure Made in BOQ Accounts The quality of disclosure in the BOQ ´s policies, strategy, performance and financial statements and reports is satisfactory as it provides accessible, transparent and fairly justified information. As the BOQ is a listed company, it has to comply with all ASX disclosure policies and reporting but in addition it also complies with the ASX Corporate Governance Recommendations as well as the Australian Prudential Standards (APS) (Profit Announcement 2011). In the profit announcement report for 2011, BOQ discloses a number of disclosure principles which include management, board structure, ethical and responsible decision making, financial reporting, timely and balanced disclosure, respect rights of shareholders, recognize and manage risk, remuneration. 5.1 Business Strategy and Economic Consequences The business strategy and economic consequences are disclosed in the notes to the annual report in terms of the risk management of the company. As it explains in these notes the bank approach is to manage its risk in terms of credit risk, market risk, liquidity, operational risk, compliance policies and capital management. As it states in the annual report there is a high level of assessment and monitoring of these risks in order to follow the company ´s strategy. 5.2 Notes to the Financial Statements – Explanation of Policies The notes to the financial statements and reports do provide an explanation to the bank ´s management policies. According to the 2011 Annual Report these policies provide effectiveness and efficiency in terms of managing the risks described above as well as creating controls to support growth and competitive advantage. An example of these policies in 2011 was a strong expense management which lead them to reduce their cost-to-income ratio from 45.8% to 44.5%. Moreover, these policies provide regulatory compliance as well as performance management. 5.3 Explanation of Current Performance BOQ through its yearly Profit Announcement Report clearly explains its current performance in terms of its principal activities. It states its current level of profitability and the main reasons for any losses. As well as these profit or losses explanations the report shows explanations for changes in expenses, asset growth, retail deposit growth, branch network expansion and capital management. In terms of financial conventions that restrict the firm as a banking institution, the main one is the Basel II Accord in which the bank is obligated to maintain capital adequacy requirements. In the 2011 Annual report is mentioned that Tier 1 capital made up of equity capital and disclosed reserves was higher than required by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Moreover, AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures is additionally disclosed in order to understand the impact on the firm. Moreover it discloses all its consolidated statements for all subsidiaries of the group following all consolidation standards. The quality of the segment disclosure for BOQ is sufficient as it discloses its two operating segments, and since the bank operates only in Queensland, it does not need geographical segmentation. It discloses the high level metrics for both of the banking and insurance segments as well as consolidated totals (Annual Report 2011 pg. 89). Also, following consolidation requirements it eliminates inter-company transactions (Annual Report 2011 pg. 89). The most important and questionable numbers can be seen in the yearly Profit Announcement where BOQ announced a net loss after tax of 90.6 million AUD. The explanation for this loss was attributed to significant impairment charges. As the income analysis shows that the company made a reasonable operating income loss, but the large part of the loss was due to a revision of their commercial loans and provisioning approach. They decided to increase these specific commercial loan provisions more than close to 90 million due to the continuous decline in commercial property in Queensland. Along with loan impairments, the bank also impaired a substantial amount of assets, also because of the decline if commercial property. Furthermore in the Directors Report in 2011 there were some potential red flags regarding remuneration. As the bank went through a restructure last year there were a number of high level managerial positions that changed in this period. During this transition there were a number of payments classified as  ´others` that did not have a clear explanation. An example of this includes a payment of half a million dollars to the previous CEO to  ´ensure a smooth transition` between him and the newly appointed CEO. While taking into account the Director ´s report is audited by KPMG, this payment seemed excessive. Based on previous parts, the conclusion has arrived that BOQ suffered net loss of $90.6 million because of the tremendous growth in impairment loss. The footnote disclosures in the Profit Announcement provide the composition of the impairment loss. According to note 11, loan impairment expenses totalled $327.7 million. $165.7 million of this amount is specific provision impairment and the rest $162 million relates to collective provision. Moreover, impairment loss for assets also amounts to $578.7 million. Note 4suggests that BOQ ´s management increase its impairment loss based on their estimates of dropping commercial property market. However, this estimate comes from historical experience and professional judgment. In contrast, the estimate might be different from actual results. Therefore, distortions may arise resulting from overstated impairment loss. In order to undo the distortion, the impairment loss should have been adjusted to a lower level with fewer provisions. Even before the Profit Announcement of BOQ came out, many financial reporters foresaw the net loss of BOQ resulting from increasing impairment loss. The downturns in tourism and recent natural disasters impacted Queensland’s economy negatively, and the conditions in Queensland were expected to remain challenging in the future because of strong Australian dollar. As a result, for BOQ— a company that is highly exposed to Queensland housing market, the current poor performance of might not change in short term.Following by the poor performance, BOQ isnow struggling to keep regulators happy and keep its capital at acceptable level. On 26 March 2012, BOQ announced aequity rising of $450 million. However, by doing this, the existing shareholders of BOQ will be heavily diluted and it will cause its share price to drop significantly. Accounting Analysis of the 2011 Annual Report for Bank of Queensland Limited. (2017, Feb 07).

Social history-German student movement Research Paper

Social history-German student movement - Research Paper Example Although it finally declined in 1968, the movement brought lots of changes that are still felt in Germany’s education, culture, politics and economy up to the present times. The movement began in June 1966 when the Grand Coalition of Germany came into power. So, it slowly began as a response to the hypocrisy and dictatorship of the German government as well as other western governments such as USA and the poor living conditions experienced by the university students across the country2. The rise to power by Kurt Georg Kiesinger was seen to be a bad move because it was against any opposition of the government. Therefore, the university students felt that the government would extend its authoritarianism to controlling student movement and a free expression of their voices. Also, the students feared that the Wirtschaftswunder System would not last forever3. Hence, there would be an ever widening gap between the country’s poor and rich populations. This was influenced by the Marxist ideologies which the students had subscribed to. With this in their minds, the students thought that the cost of living would rise since the government was not committed to improving living standards of the proletariat4. As time went by, the movement gained momentum because the number of students who were interested in joining activism tremendously increased. They took part in demonstrations that were organized by groups such as Sozialistischer Deutscher Studentenbund in opposition to the regime5. This happened contrary to the government’s efforts to curb activism by using the media and deliberately reducing funding to the students organizations and their universities6. Later, the movement intensified especially after a visit by the Iranian Shah on June 2, 1967. Demonstrations were organized the Opera House to prove to the government

Assess the importance of Ghandi to Indian nationalism Essay

Assess the importance of Ghandi to Indian nationalism - Essay Example Ghandi was born in October 1869 in a Hindu Modh family in Porbandar, Gujarat in India, and was given the name Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi by his parents. The father named Karamchand Gandhi was a chief minister at the city of Porbandar; meaning mahatma Ghandi had a strong upbringing background around leadership, politics, and guided by the Hindu principles (Shelokhonov, 2013). The principles he learned early in life made him a mature and determined man early in age, considering that he had the chance to experience and observe the discrimination the colonialist and their associates conducted on the native people. He became motivated in his law study and understanding of varying principles of different religions he encountered with in different lands. According to Barua, â€Å"his combined brilliance, humanism, and courage with indomitable will brought a revolutionary change in the East Indian Community in South Africa and India† (n.d, p. 2). Borrowing from numerous teaching of th e different religions, and inspirations from wise political ideologies such as those of Gopal Krishna, David Thoreau, and Leo Tolstoy, he was able to organize non-violent movements, which would paralyze the then imperial governments to have their demands heeded. As a key reformist, he was named Bapu Ghandi and is today known to be the father of the Indian nation, after his successful organization and support for the non violent movements of struggle for freedom in India. Characters of Mahatma Ghandi: The persona of Ghandi is still held debatable by many, depending on religion and way of life. However, it must be admitted that he had acquired certain substantial and enabling virtues from his way of life in different environments across the world. Even though being a faithful Hindu, he drew some of his principles from the Bible, the Islamic religion, among others to shape his characters and belief for the common good of existence in the general society. His persona brought him close t o the society, especially the women whom characters and sufferings he understood in broad point of view. Effectively, he was very attracted to the virtues of different societies (Western, African, and Indian), cultures, and different genders, and hoped to unite the people together for their common good. He was a man described to be courageous and stubborn in confronting the British governments, yet humble, patient, and compassionate to others, regardless of their religion, race, and gender. The virtues of non-violence (Ahimsa) and compassion he believed in, was an acceptance of the women qualities, who had been kept out of power and dominion in political and social aspects because of their simple virtues of patience, compassion, and tenderness that was viewed as a contradiction to the roles (Anand, 2006). With such a trusted persona, Ghandi was able to pull people closer, the strong and the weak and from it, women had the opportunity to come out of their locked areas and confidently support him in Indian liberation. Anand further mentions that the very nature of his virtues (ahimsa and truth among others) made the people liberation movement open to all; his plans and politics also comprised most trusted feminine virtues, allowing men and women to take part in the non-violent wars (2006). Ghandi’